Latest Offenders

Description

A rapist who was hunted down, arrested and charged within 24 hours of his crime has been sentenced to 15 years.

Kirklees Safeguarding detectives have welcomed the sentencing of Ethan Hare, aged 40, and commended the bravery of the victim for coming forward to report his offending against her. 

Hare, of Ashfield Drive, Halifax, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with five years extended licence  at Leeds Crown Court today  ( Friday 6 February ) after being found guilty of two counts of rape against a woman in Mirfield in May last year.

The 40-year-old had met the victim in Mirfield during the early hours of 11 May and offered to give her a lift home.

He then seriously sexually assaulted her before releasing her at a petrol station in Huddersfield and driving off.

The woman quickly summoned help and a report to the police was made.  

Hare was identified following police enquiries and arrested a few hours later, before being charged to appear before magistrates on 12 May.

A jury found him guilty of rape following a three day trial in October this year.

Alongside his sentence, Hare was also made subject of a Serious Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which will come into effect following his release.  Breach of an order can result in a further prison sentence.

Detective Constable Charlotte Pugh of the Kirklees District Adult Safeguarding Unit, said:

“This was a dreadful incident in which Hare took advantage of an obviously vulnerable woman and then committed extremely serious sexual offences against her.

“He is without doubt a dangerous sexual predator who put his victim through a terrifying ordeal.  

“Her courage in coming forward on that night and reporting what took place, allowed us to rapidly start hunting for and arrest Hare within a few hours of the offence occurring.  

“This dangerous man was charged and remanded in custody within 24 hours, meaning he has never been back on the streets from the moment he was first detained by officers.”

She added:

“We continue to urge all victims of sexual offences to contact us.  Reports can still be made even if offending took place many years ago and all reports made are thoroughly investigated with the needs of the victim at the heart of our enquiries.

“We fully appreciate how difficult it can be to come forwards and want to commend the bravery of those who report offending to us.    Their courage in coming forwards is instrumental in helping us seek just for victims and convict dangerous offenders such as Hare.” 

Description

A repeat sex offender from west Cumbria has been jailed for flouting a court order restricting his internet use.

Benjamin James Kennedy, 34, formerly of Whitehaven and recently living at Maryport Road, Dearham, breached his sexual harm prevention order by using the "incognito" browsing feature on his mobile phone. He admitted the offence, committed between January 27 and January 30.

Defense lawyer Katie Scattergood told Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court that police found no "associated mischief" in his internet use. She said Kennedy used the incognito mode "solely for the purpose of watching legal adult pornography" due to "embarrassment with the officers seeing that he was watching that content and the stigma attached to it."

Scattergood added that Kennedy had completed courses in custody encouraging reflection on his past behavior and was "confused" about incognito use, as it wasn't specifically mentioned in his order.

Deputy District Judge Matthew Wallace told Kennedy:

"You have deliberately avoided allowing the officer to see your internet history." Noting his history of contact child sex offences and accessing child abuse imagery, the judge said: "You pose a risk and a danger to children.

"You say it was to access adult pornography – but we only have your word for it.

"If the danger can’t be monitored, then there is a risk that it too great and therefore the only sentence that is appropriate is one of custody.

“The risk can’t be managed if you don’t submit yourself to the rules of the sexual harm prevention order.”

Kennedy was jailed for a year and must pay a £182 victim surcharge upon release.

He was originally sentenced in 2021 for sexual activity with a child and causing a child to watch an image of sexual activity.

Description

A former teacher, who was previously jailed for seven years in 2022, has been given another seven-year sentence after he was found guilty of five sexual offences involving children, committed in the 1980s and 1990s.

Paul Adams, aged 78, of Workington, was sentenced today (6 Feb) at Carlisle Crown court after a trial in January.

Adams was convicted of three counts of indecent assault of a child, one count of paying for the sexual services of a child and one sexual assault. The offences relate to four victims, who were boys at the time.

Four of the offences were committed while Adams was a teacher at a school in West Cumbria.

Adam’s further offending came to light after victims saw media coverage in 2022 of his other convictions.

Detective Inspector Calvin Greaves, Cumberland CID, said:

“I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and I hope today’s sentencing can bring some form of closure after all these years.

“Adams abused his position and should have been someone his victims were able to trust.

“I hope that this case shows that it is never too late to report sexual abuse – no matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you.

“Cumbria Police will do everything we can to investigate reports, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

2022

A COURT heard moving statements from two young men who were sexually abused as teenagers by a former Workington teacher.

Paul Stuart Adams, 74, who was once responsible for pastoral pupil care at the school where he worked, was widely known throughout west Cumbria for his knowledge of theatre, music and the arts.

But he abused the trust people had for him by sexually exploiting two teenage boys who turned to him for advice and guidance.

Adams, of Banklands, Workington, denied more than a dozen charges relating to two teenage boys. The jury convicted of nine counts, including indecent assaults and paying for the sexual services of a child.

During this trial, the jury heard that Adams regarded as a 'pillar' of his local community was so trusted that parents were happy for their children to go to him for advice on theatre and acting.

The prosecution had outlined how one victim visited Adams at his home, where the pensioner ran his own recording studio. Adams gave the teenager whiskey before asking him to strip naked.

He told the boy that this would be a good way to prepare for being on stage.

After the abuse began, the boy turned to using drugs and alcohol to blank out what had happened to him; and Adams then took further advantage of the teenager, offering him cash in return for sexual favours.

He paid the boy between 100 and 200 in exchange for being touched sexually or he got the teenager to strip naked, the court heard. Described by one of the victims as a 'master manipulator,' Adams was particularly interested in spanking, The victim told Carlisle Crown Court.

As Adams watched from his prison video booth, the now adult victim courageously stood in court and read aloud his account of how the sexual abuse had ruined his life, robbing him of precious years of childhood.

He said that he had turned to drink and drugs cocaine and Ecstasy to blank out the pain of what Adams had done to him. At its height, his addiction involved him using those drugs every day.

The man told the court: In 2021, I received a diagnosis of PTSD as a result of this crime. I was suffering with nightmares and flashbacks particularly if I saw someone who matched the height and build of Paul.

I would wake up numerous times in the night in cold sweats. I would get flashbacks of the recording studio and what Paul did to me.

"I ended up taking time off work as a result of this as I couldnt cope.

The trauma reached a crisis point which saw the man have to walk out of work half way through his shift, he said.

He was off work for two months.

Since then, he had been given professional help that has included medications and therapy. Although I am much better, he said, what happened never leaves me. It is always a niggle in the back of my mind.

There is always something that triggers a memory or a thought bringing it to the forefront. Its still something that enters my mind daily.

The man spoke also of having self-harmed and how his trauma had left him struggling to hold down relationships. His drugs use had been a coping mechanism, he said.

Recalling how the abuse changed his life, the man said: My friends and I were always out together; we would be at the skate park, camping, doing the things that teenagers do.

When this started happening with Paul, these things stopped and by the time I came out of the emotional stress of what was happening I was in my early 20s and feel like I had the better years of my childhood taken from me.

The court also heard from the second victim, who came forward after reading in the News & Star about how Adams had been charged with child sex offences. He spoke of the profound effect.

This included feelings of self-hatred and sadness.

Now a young man, he suffered panic attacks and depression and returning to west Cumbria triggered painful memories of the abuse.

Richard Dawson, for Adams, said the defendants parents had died in their mid 70s and he feared that the jail term he faced would effectively be a life sentence. His time on remand has been particularly difficult for him, said the barrister.

He added that the risk posed by Adams was 'negligible.'

Judge Richard Archer said the defendant abused young men who turned to him for support and, from the evidence of the trial, he was satisfied that he had also abused a third boy and acted inappropriately towards another.

Noting that Adams was assessed as representing a significant risk of harm, the judge said the defendant continued to deny wrongdoing. Until he accepted his guilt, that risk would remain high, said the judge.

He told the defendant: You were a pillar of the Workington community.

Involved with local theatres for many years, Adams had been considered a worldly man, with experience of life beyond west Cumbria and knowledge of the stage and the arts.

It was that reputation and experience that led to both your victims visiting you at your home," said the judge. Adams paid for sexual services from one boy at least six times and one of the victims was just 15 when Adams first abused him.

Adams was jailed for seven years.

He will remain on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further order. This prevents him from having access to any child unless the parent or guardian is aware of his offending history and unless he has the express permission of Social Services.

Nor can he live in any household where there is also a child resident. Adams will be released on licence when he reaches the half-way point in his sentence.

Description

Huw Richards, 40, of Cilfynydd, has been sentenced to one year and two months in prison following his conviction for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

He has also been given a sexual harm prevention order for the next 10 years.  The sentencing took place at Merthyr Crown Court on Thursday February 5, 2026, where Richards was found guilty after pleading not guilty during a previous hearing on July 21, 2025.

The case came to light on June 22, 2025, when an online child protection group, reported Richards to the police. At approximately 3:05pm, the group apprehended Richards outside his home, where he was compliant and cooperative.

The investigation revealed that Richards engaged in inappropriate online communication with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, which was a fictitious social media account. Beginning on June 11, 2025, Richards sent a friend request to this fictitious account, which was operated by the online child protection group. Over the course of several days, he exchanged messages with the account, soliciting explicit photographs and engaging in sexually suggestive conversations.

Richards' actions escalated as he requested photos of the fictitious girl in her school uniform and sent her explicit images, including a photograph of an escort magazine cover, claiming it contained indecent pictures. He also made disturbing comments about sexual acts, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit and manipulate a minor.

Detective Constable Luke Bond said:

“This case serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers that exist online. We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and will take robust action against those who seek to exploit children. We encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to educate their children about online safety.”

“Richards' conviction underlines the importance of ongoing efforts to combat online predatory behaviour.”

Description

A 27-year-old man who sexually abused two children more than 10 years ago has been jailed.

In 2013 Connor Parsons was 14 years old when he committed sexual offences against two six-year-old girls in a village near Cirencester.

This included him exposing his penis to both of the children, and him trying to persuade and force one of the girls to perform oral sex on him.

He also sexually assaulted both of the children by touching their bodies and kissing one of them at an age when they could not consent.

Years later in 2022, both victims separately disclosed to professionals at their schools about what Parsons had done to them, and police were informed.

In 2019, when Parsons was 21, he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl. He had met the victim in a park in Cirencester and took her to a wooded area where he sexually abused her, at an age when she legally could not consent.

Following an investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team Parsons, who previously lived in Cirencester, was charged with several offences.

On 24 November 2025 at Gloucester Crown Court, Parsons pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a girl aged under 13 to engage in sexual activity – no penetration, two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual activity with a child.

At Parsons' sentencing, one of the victims read a statement to the court. She said:

"From the age of six, until the age of 14, I would remember snippets of the day I was assaulted and remember how uncomfortable Connor's actions made me feel at the time.

"By the time I reached 14, the age he was when it happened, I started to think how unbearable the thought of someone my age doing what he did to children really was. And I realised that his actions weren’t just uncomfortable, they were wrong.

"I went through multiple counsellors to try and understand how I was feeling about what he had done to me, and I felt nothing but anger and like I had been violated with no control over being able to help myself out of the situation.

"The anger I felt towards Connor fuelled me to fight for justice, not just for me, but for [victim's name removed] and any other girl who has been victim to him. I wanted to stop him from being able to do this to anybody ever again."

The other victim who had been aged six at the time, also read her statement to the court. She said:

"To not truly know what Connor did to me during the times I was alone with him is really scary.

"I felt so relieved when Connor pleaded guilty. It felt good to know that he had admitted to what he did to me and [victim's name removed] and to know that he was in prison so he couldn't do it to anyone else.

"Connor Parsons probably changed the course of my life by what he did to me, and I will never truly know how different things would have been had he not abused me when I was six."

The third victim's statement was also read to the court. She said:

"What happened was such a turning point in my life. Had this not happened to me when I was young, I don't know where I would be, how different my life would be.

"Following what happened I didn't care for life or consequences of anything. It had a massive impact on my physical health and mental health.

"I felt so much relief when I found out that Connor had admitted to what he had done. It felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders for him to have taken responsibility for what had happened, that I wouldn't have to go to court to try and defend myself and him to admit that what he did to me was wrong."

In mitigation, it was said Parsons was of previous good character and he had lived in care as a child with disrupted experiences in education and accommodation.

At Gloucester Crown Court on Monday (2 February) Judge Rupert Lowe said Parsons had suffered significant neglect and abuse as a child and that this goes some way to explain the origins of the behaviour, but that this did not excuse any criminal behaviour.

He sentenced Parsons to four years in prison, and told him he must serve at least two thirds of the sentence before being released on licence.

Parsons was also given a 10-year restraining order to protect the victims, and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having any contact with a girl aged under 16.

The investigating officer said:

"These offences relate to a number of child sexual offences that took place, some when Parsons was a child, and some that took place when he was an adult.

"Parsons has clearly shown an unhealthy sexual interest in children much younger than himself from a young age, which has continued into his adult life.

"He targeted all of these girls, vulnerable due to their ages, isolated them and committed heinous sexual offences against them. Two of the girls were so young they didn't even know or understand what had happened to them until they were much, much older.

"I am pleased that Parsons has finally accepted that he committed these offences and that what he had done was wrong. By doing this he has spared the victims from further trauma in having to give evidence in court.

"This, however, does not take away from the trauma he has subjected all three victims to for a number of years, nor the fact that he had ample opportunity within the police investigations to admit these offences, which he chose not to do until what would have been the first day of his criminal trial.

"I am so grateful to all of the victims for coming forward to the police and supporting the investigation. It is a testament to them that Parsons had no other option than to plead guilty to the offences.

"All three have shown such courage and bravery through what has been an incredibly lengthy process and I am so proud of the resilience they have all shown.

"Reporting sexual offences to the police can be daunting, especially if a lot of time has elapsed. The Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team in Gloucestershire Constabulary take every report seriously and will do everything in their power to get justice for any victim of sexual offences."

Description

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a woman in Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed.

Flauberd Njumbe, 31, of Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to six-years-and-one-month imprisonment at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 4 February) after he previously pleaded guilty to two counts of the rape of a woman, two counts of sexual assault on a female and one count of failing to surrender to police bail.

As part of his sentencing, he was also put on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

PC Joshua Whitehurst, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit, said:

"Njumbe subjected the survivor to cruel sexual violence.

"I am pleased that today justice has been served and I want to thank the survivor for their courage and trust in coming forward and supporting us with our investigation.

"I hope this sentence sends two very clear messages: If you are a victim of sexual abuse, we will listen to you and we will work tirelessly to achieve justice for you. If you are sex offender, we will find you and we will take robust action to put you behind bars for as long as possible."

Description

A man has been found guilty of sexual offences against a child following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

On Wednesday 4 February a jury found Matthew McKenzie, 47, of Totterdown, Bristol, guilty of one count of sexual assault of a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was remanded into custody pending a sentencing hearing at the same court on Tuesday 17 March.

The court heard that in June 2023 McKenzie stayed overnight with friends at an address in Bristol.

During his visit he touched a girl, then aged eight, with his penis, made her touch his penis, and offered to take her to the park if she would perform oral sex.

The child immediately told her mother, police were called and McKenzie was arrested from the address.

Description

An Iranian refugee, Ahmadreza Khalafi, 29, has been jailed for sexually assaulting 19-year-old Abbie Johnson, who waived her anonymity, in Bishop Stortford, UK, on May 3 last year.

During a night out playing hide and seek near the Black Lion pub, Khalafi attacked Abbie for over 10 minutes. Security staff witnessed the incident, alerting police and leading to his swift arrest.

In her court statement, Abbie described the profound impact:

"I experienced ongoing depression and at times feels suicidal. The effects have been severe, long-lasting and continue to affect me every single day. I no longer recognise myself, feeling disconnected from the person I used to be. I feel different, empty and unable to live my life the way I did before. I suffer from constant flashbacks, and intrusive memories flood my mind. I am scared of the dark. I feel frightened in my own home and feel unsafe doing day-to-day activities."

Initially charged with rape, five counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual assault by penetration, the rape charge was withdrawn, and the penetration charge lies on file. At St Albans Crown Court on December 2, Khalafi pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual touching. On February 5, he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment, plus three years' extended licence and a 10-year restraining order.

Judge Mann remarked:

"You acted on that day as a predator. You saw someone who was vulnerable and took advantage of her. I’m not entirely persuaded you don't know the difference between right and wrong; it doesn't matter your background, anyone would know not to go up to a helpless woman and sexually assault them. That’s not right anywhere."

Khalafi received refugee status in summer 2024, fearing persecution in Iran, and was staying in Stortford with church assistance at the time.

Det Sgt Adam Haines praised Abbie's courage:

“First and foremost, I would like to commend the victim for the courage she has shown throughout. Whilst I am grateful that she was spared the ordeal of having to go through a trial, preparing for it understandably left her feeling extremely stressed and scared. She continues to be deeply affected by Khalafi’s actions to this day. I’d also like to thank the investigation team for their hard work in bringing the case to court and securing a conviction. A sexual predator is now behind bars as a result.”

A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman added:

“Being a victim of a sexual offence is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation.”

Description

A sex offender has been jailed for not registering with a police station after being released from prison.

Christina Moore, 67, previously of Chandler's Ford, had been released from HMP The Verne on Portland but failed to register at a police station within three days of her release.

Moore, whose address was given as HMP The Verne, Portland, Dorset, appeared at Southampton Crown Court on January 29 to be sentenced for failing to comply with the notification requirement of the sex offender register.

Sex offenders on the register must comply with several requirements, including sharing personal details with their local police station, such as their name, address, and date of birth, within three days and annually.

After entering a not guilty plea on May 30, 2025, she was found guilty on December 8.

James Kellam prosecuted the case, and Lisa Bowles mitigated.

Judge Bill Mousley sentenced Moore in the defendant's absence to a year and a half in prison.

Moore must also pay a £187 surcharge.

Description

A psychotic rapist who stabbed a seven-year-old child he believed was the devil has been sentenced to indefinite detention at a secure hospital.

Byron Stubbs, 25, of no fixed abode, attacked the child and two women with a kitchen knife at a house in Sunderland after a three-day alcohol and cocaine binge, Newcastle Crown Court heard. He also raped a woman several years earlier and only admitted it after fearing police would find the footage he had filmed on his phone.

Stubbs admitted attempted murder, intentional wounding and rape. He had a long history of severe mental illness, which he worsened through alcohol and drug use, prosecutor Jolyn Perks said.

After three days without sleep, he stabbed the child in the stomach, then attacked the two women who intervened. Police found Stubbs and the house covered in blood. The child suffered bone-deep wounds to the hand and arms; the stomach injury could have been fatal if any deeper. One woman was stabbed through the ear, the other in the arms and hands.

The child’s mother said the “horrific” attack had changed their family’s lives forever. The previously “happy little” child now “freaked out” if anyone stood behind them and was “petrified” of knives. She feared lifelong mental health issues.

The rape victim said she had once been “bubbly, outgoing, loud and adventurous” but was now “a completely different person” who was “anxious and jumpy in every situation”. Stubbs initially denied the rape but admitted it when he realised police had his phone and might discover the video.

Since the attacks, Stubbs – previously sectioned under the Mental Health Act – has been diagnosed with schizophrenia involving delusions and auditory hallucinations about God and the devil.

A psychiatrist told the court he would remain a high risk of serious harm even if successfully treated, if he continued to drink and take drugs. Other experts noted his “long history of delusional beliefs”, “high levels of violence and aggression” and domestic abuse of multiple partners.

Stubbs had a suspended sentence for blackmail in 2020 and a caution for battery in 2022.

Judge Robert Adams said Stubbs was a “dangerous offender” who posed a “significant risk of causing serious harm” and needed “intensive and enduring” treatment. The risks to the public were “very great” and would “remain so for a very long time”. A hospital order with ongoing psychiatric care would protect the public better than prison, where he would have received 15 years plus a four-year extended licence.

Stubbs must sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Description

A sex offender from Gillingham who coerced an underage girl into sending him indecent images has been jailed for five years.

Tobias Dadswell’s home in May Road was visited by officers on 16 June 2025 after he was suspected to have breached an existing Sexual Risk Order by having an internet-enabled phone.

The 21 year old directed officers to the device, with officers arresting him as a result.

Investigation

A review of the phone showed he had used online messaging platforms to contact users selling indecent images of children.

Profiles purporting to be teenage girls had also been contacted, with him requesting to meet up with them for money following sexual conversation.

A further search highlighted messages he had sent to a teenager unknown to him on a video-based social media platform.

He threatened to spread rumours online about them unless they sent him indecent material of themselves, which they complied with.

Dadswell was charged with nine offences the day after his arrest, with a further eight being added at a later date.

Court

Having been remanded in custody, Dadswell admitted to 11 of the counts including causing a child to engage in sexual activity, breaching his Sexual Risk Order and making indecent images of children. Another five counts will lie on file.

Being sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 19 January, he was jailed for five years and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon his release.

Investigating officer PC Areolito Gashi said:

‘Dadswell’s offending in spite of his order shows him to be a persistent danger to children, and we are glad to see him receive a lengthy prison sentence.

‘His cruel actions have caused serious harm to a young person, and cases like this remind us of the importance of being alert and vigilant while online.’

Description

A Plymouth-based former teacher who betrayed his position of trust by sexually abusing two students at the school and sixth form he worked at has been jailed. 

Anthony Redmond, 54, of Fort Austin Avenue in Plymouth, abused one of the victims in a hotel prior to her turning 16.

Redmond was convicted following a trial at Plymouth Crown Court of seven counts of abuse a position of trust by engaging in sexual activity, three of which related to full intercourse, and one count of indecency with a child.

He returned to the court to be sentenced on Tuesday 10 February and was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment. Restraining orders were also put in place to prevent Redmond from contacting the victims.

During the trial, the court heard how Redmond used his status as a teacher and band musician to appeal to, and groom his victims.

He continued to work at Notre Dame School and sixth form in Plymouth until being suspended when the allegations were made.

The first offence relating to the first victim took place in the 2000s when she was aged 15.

The victim reported how geography teacher Redmond took her and a friend to a hotel, and during the night he incited her to engage in sexual activity.

The second incident took place shortly after the victim turned 16 at a party they had both attended.

The initial investigation led to officers getting in touch with a second victim who disclosed a sexual relationship with Redmond while she was a sixth form student at the school.

The second victim – who was 16 when Redmond’s abuse started - spoke of how Redmond would routinely pick her up so they could engage in sexual activity, with abuse taking place at his home, a hotel and inside the school.

The victim’s abuse by Redmond continued while she was at university, however she ended contact when her family became aware.

Later discussion between the victims in the case revealed that they were both being sexually abused by Redmond at around the same time.

Both victims described at the sentencing hearing the long-term psychological effect Redmond’s actions had on them.

At the sentencing hearing Judge Robert Linford described the offending as ‘predatory behaviour’, stating that Redmond betrayed the trust put in him by taking the victims to lunches and luring them into a world in which he could abuse them without them knowing they were being abused.

Judge Linford added that the convictions show others who have behaved in such a way that they may never rest easy, as the day may come where, like Redmond, they will also face justice for their actions.

Officer in the case Detective Sergeant Luke Portch said:

“I want to acknowledge the courage and strength shown by the victims in coming forward.

“Teachers are entrusted with the care, safety, and wellbeing of children and young people, and that trust was gravely abused in this case.

“Speaking about sexual abuse, regardless of when it occurred, is incredibly difficult.  

“Their willingness to report what happened has not only led to justice in this case, but will hopefully help others who have been victims of abuse to come forward.

“The passage of time does not lessen the seriousness of these offences, and this outcome demonstrates that reports of non-recent abuse will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

“If anyone has experienced abuse, whether recently or in the past, I would encourage them to contact the Police. Support is available, and you will be listened to."

Description

A Merseyside man has been jailed for 34 months for attempting to cause a female to engage in sexual activity after offering her a lift.

Paul Williams, 58, from Rosebery Avenue, Liscard appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 3 February 2026 to be sentenced after being found guilty following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The jury returned the guilty verdict on 11 December.

The victim was walking along Willaston Road in Neston on the morning of 21 June 2025 when she stopped for a rest.

A car came to a stop a little further up the road and the driver, Williams shouted to her if she wanted a lift.

She got in the car and asked to be taken to an address further up the road. Williams drove past the address and took her to a secluded one track road.

He told her she had to pay, to which she told him she had cash. But he said no you need to pay. He then exposed himself and tried to block her from leaving the car.

She managed to escape and ran to a house to get help.

Police enquiries led to Williams being put at the scene at the time of the incident and he was arrested. His car was also seized.

DC Alex Price said:

“Williams is a dangerous predator who took the opportunity while conducting his job as a delivery driver to take advantage of a vulnerable woman walking on her own.

“The victim has been left traumatised by the danger she was in that morning alone in the car with Williams and is struggling to process this. I hope this conviction will help her in her recovery.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to over four years in prison after targeting and sexually assaulting a woman on-board a Jubilee Line train, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Stanislaw Pozniecki, 49, and of Billet Road in Walthamstow, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on 29 January where he was jailed for four years and nine months.

He was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered to pay a victim surcharge after changing his plea from not guilty to guilty to one count of Assault by Penetration.

The SHPO prohibits him from approaching, touching, staring, sitting next to, or making any attempts to communicate with lone women on the rail network in the UK, including the London Underground.

The court heard how at around 11.45pm on Sunday 2 January 2022, Pozniecki sought out the lone 25-year-old woman travelling on-board a southbound Jubilee Line service.

He sat opposite the woman as she slept and initially attempted to wake her up, before moving to the seat next to her and sexually assaulting her.

She awoke to him sexually assaulting her, at which point he asked her to sleep with him and offered her £20 to do so, which she declined and attempted to shrug him off.

Both the victim and Pozniecki got off the Tube at Wembley Park, and she walked away from him to sit on a bench down the platform.

Pozniecki then approached her again before a member of rail staff noticed his strange behaviour and asked him to move away from the victim.

Once she was alone with the member of staff, she disclosed the sexual assault and the staff member called the police.

Officers immediately attended the station to arrest Pozniecki and took him to custody for questioning.

BTP detectives built a compelling case against Pozniecki resulting in him changing his plea from not guilty to guilty.

BTP Detective Constable Jamie Saunders said:

"Pozniecki sought out and assaulted a lone woman who was simply travelling home. His abhorrent actions were predatory, and I am pleased to see him handed this jail term.

"It is thanks to the courage and support of the victim that we have been able to bring him before the courts and put him behind bars for years to come. I would also like to extend my thanks to the member of rail staff who spotted something suspicious, immediately intervened, and called the police.”

Description

A sex offender who went on the run after refusing to disclose his address to police was living "off grid" in west Wales, a court heard.

Christopher Spelman, with links to Merseyside, was released from a Dorset prison on July 4, 2025, but refused to inform authorities of his intended residence before disappearing.

Police issued multiple public appeals, including a feature on Crimewatch, but his location remained unknown until he turned himself in at Haverfordwest police station in Pembrokeshire on January 3, 2026.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Spelman disputes his original child sex offence conviction but now seeks a more conventional life with suitable housing.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told the court that Spelman was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2014 for 12 counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 14, requiring lifetime registration as a sex offender. Requirements include notifying police of his address within three days of residence, per Wales Online.

Upon release, Spelman told staff he had no intention of registering and planned to buy a tent to "live off grid." When he failed to contact Lancashire police, a manhunt ensued, with appeals noting his likely travel via public transport to campsites and links to Merseyside, Manchester, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.

Spelman, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with notification requirements. He has 11 prior convictions for 29 offences, including the 12 sexual assault counts and a previous failure to comply. After his 2016 halfway release from the 2014 sentence, he was at large for five years.

Defence barrister Andrew Evans called the case "an unusual one in many, many ways," noting Spelman does not accept his 2014 guilt or the resulting requirements, and has long expressed a desire to "live outside society." However, he has "slowly recognised" the court order's authority, now wants a normal life with appropriate accommodation, and requested a custodial sentence to facilitate release arrangements.

Judge Geraint Walters noted signs in the pre-sentence report of desired changes and warned that future breaches would lead to longer sentences. With a one-third discount for his guilty plea, Spelman was jailed for 10 months, to serve up to half in custody before release on licence.